August Wilson's MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM

August Wilson’s *Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom* comes to Round House Theatre in a co-production with Olney Theatre Center, directed by Lili-Anne Brown. Set in a 1920s Chicago recording studio, the play follows the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey and her band as they navigate a volatile recording session. Through rousing music, sharp comedy, and poetic dialogue, Wilson exposes the racial exploitation embedded in the music industry while celebrating the cathartic power of the blues. The production runs from September 9 to October 11, 2026, with a runtime of approximately two hours and thirty minutes including one intermission.

When: September 9 through October 11, 2026.

Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

Director: Lili-Anne Brown.

Co-producer: Olney Theatre Center.

Venue: Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Accessibility: An audio-described performance is scheduled for the September 19 matinee. Open-captioned performances are scheduled for the September 20 and September 26 matinees. Full details on accessibility can be found on the Round House Theatre website.

Content advisories: Advisories for this production are available by clicking the link provided on the event page.

Pre‑show and post‑show discussions: Information on these events is available via the link on the event page.

Special discounts: Discounts and a Free Play program for students are offered; details can be found on the theatre’s website.

Note: Price information is not available; check the theatre’s ticketing page for current pricing and availability.